Weaving and knitting patterns can be challenging to follow, especially if they involve complex stitches, shapes, or color changes. But don't let that stop you from creating beautiful and unique textiles. Here are some tips and tricks to help you read and understand weaving and knitting patterns more easily.
Before you start working on a pattern, make sure you know the basic terminology, symbols, and abbreviations used in weaving and knitting. For example, in weaving, you need to know the difference between warp and weft, heddle and shaft, dent and sett, and plain weave and twill. In knitting, you need to know the difference between knit and purl, yarn over and slip stitch, cast on and bind off, and stockinette and garter. You can find glossaries and charts online or in books that explain these terms and show you how to perform them.
Most patterns come with a legend or a key that explains what each symbol, letter, or number means in the pattern. For example, in a weaving draft, a black square might mean raising a shaft, while a white square might mean lowering it. In a knitting chart, a dot might mean purling on the right side, while a blank space might mean knitting on the right side. Always refer to the legend when you are reading a pattern and make sure you understand what each element represents.
Patterns usually indicate the direction in which you need to read them, either from left to right, right to left, top to bottom, or bottom to top. Sometimes, the direction might change depending on the row or round you are working on. For example, in a weaving draft, you might read the threading from right to left, the treadling from bottom to top, and the tie-up from left to right. In a knitting chart, you might read odd rows from right to left and even rows from left to right. Pay attention to the direction of the pattern and follow it accordingly.
It can be easy to lose track of where you are in a pattern, especially if it is long or repetitive. To avoid confusion and mistakes, use a marker or a highlighter to mark your progress in the pattern. For example, in a weaving draft, you can mark the treadle you are using in each row or the thread you are weaving in each column. In a knitting chart, you can mark the stitch you are knitting in each cell or the row you are completing in each line. This way, you can see at a glance where you are and what you need to do next.
As you work on a pattern, it is important to check your work regularly and make sure it matches the pattern. For example, in a weaving draft, you can compare the fabric you are producing with the drawdown, which shows how the pattern will look like when woven. In a knitting chart, you can compare the stitches you are making with the symbols in the chart, which show how the pattern will look like when knitted. If you notice any errors or inconsistencies, you can correct them before they affect the rest of your work.
If you encounter any difficulties or doubts while reading or following a pattern, don't hesitate to seek help from other weavers or knitters. You can join online forums, groups, or communities where you can ask questions, share tips, or get feedback from other experienced or beginner textile enthusiasts. You can also find tutorials, videos, or blogs that explain how to read and follow specific patterns or techniques. Learning from others can help you improve your skills and confidence in weaving and knitting.
Use Your Intuition - your intuition is never wrong, and sometimes patterns are. If you "feel" that the work is not what it should be, and you can confirm this by checking your work, then do not be afraid to make a change so that your piece is what you want it to be. Create Your Own Pattern - I never use other people's patterns. And I often create as I go. My work pieces are all one-of-a-kind. So no pattern, and no boredom by repetition.